The call never came for BYU’s Eric Mika.

The Cougar big man declared himself eligible for the 2017 NBA Draft, despite many who felt he needed another year in college to develop. But it probably wouldn’t have greatly helped his chances.

Of 30 first-round picks, Thursday night, just two were seniors — the last two picks of the first round. Mika served a two-year LDS mission. So that puts him at the same age as a senior (22).

Special Collector's Issue: "1984: The Year BYU was Second to None"
Get an inclusive look inside BYU Football's 1984 National Championship season.

It’s a youth-obsessed NBA. If only two seniors get picked in the first round, adding another year likely wouldn’t have helped Mika’s prospects.

He made the right choice to go pro. This was his best opportunity to make it in the NBA. He still could, if he hooks on with some summer league teams and gets invited to camps.

View Comments

Going undrafted on Thursday underscored the disadvantage BYU players have in today’s draft (though 11 second-rounders were seniors). Waiting another year just exacerbates the problem, especially with returned missionaries. With the size of contracts being handed out nowadays, the league wants its players as young as possible.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.